Joist reinforcing bracket

ABSTRACT

A bracket for reinforcing a wooden joist including a body having a central portion with a base wall. An upper portion is integrally formed with the central portion and has a first wall secured to and extending forwardly from the top of the base wall and a second wall secured to and extending from the front of the first wall. A notch in the top of the base wall extends upwardly through the first and second walls. A lower portion is integrally formed with the central portion and has a third wall secured to and extending at right angles from the bottom of the base wall and a fourth wall secured to and extending at right angles from the third wall. A brace is rigidly affixed to the base wall beneath the notch.

CONTINUING APPLICATION DATA

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of a U.S. patentapplication, Ser. No. 09/796,531, filed on Mar. 2, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to static structures and,more particularly, to openwork brackets formed of sheet materials.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Floor systems comprise the horizontal supporting surfaces of abuilding structure. Such floor systems not only support the contents ofa building but also carry their own weight and any extra load fromfloors and walls above. To avoid collapse, a floor system must transferloads laterally to beams, columns, or bearing walls with an adequatemargin of safety.

[0004] In some buildings, a floor system is assembled from wooden joistsoverlaid with plywood sheathing. The dimensions of the lumber utilizedmay be varied somewhat and the floor system will still meet acceptedstandards for safety. Of course, holes or cavities within the floorsystem must be considered in determining the proper lumber dimensions.

[0005] For a variety of reasons, it is best to run utility conduitsparallel to floor joists. Under certain conditions, however, conduitsmust run perpendicular to, and penetrate, joists. Local building codesstrictly limit the size and location of any cutouts that are placed injoists for the passage of conduits. These codes have resulted largely inbuilders being required to “oversize” joists thereby adding cost andwaste to many building projects.

[0006] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,519,977, we disclosed an uncomplicated bracketacting as a “patch kit” to return a wooden joist having a transversehole to its original strength. Since the issuance of that patent, a needhas arisen for a bracket capable of reinforcing a joist with a notch cutinto its top. A notch, it has been found, is sometimes required toaccommodate the passage of a conduit servicing a plumbing fixture orlike item is located directly above a joist. Without reinforcement, thenotch may compromise the structural integrity of the joist.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In view of the foregoing need, it is a principal object of thisparticular invention to provide a bracket for reinforcing a wooden joistwith a notch cut into its top. The bracket can be attached to dimensionlumber or composite materials such as joists having top and bottomflanges joined by an oriented strand board web. In any case, the bracketis easily attached using conventional hand tools and conventionalfasteners by laborers with minimal training.

[0008] It is another object of the invention to provide a joistreinforcing bracket of the type described that has a high strength yetis uncomplicated in construction. The bracket preferably has only twoprincipal components that are fastened together prior to distributionand use.

[0009] It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements andarrangements thereof in a joist reinforcing bracket for the purposesdescribed which is lightweight in construction, inexpensive tomanufacture, and fully dependable in use.

[0010] Briefly, the preferred bracket in accordance with this inventionachieves the intended objects by featuring a base wall and a firstintermediate wall extending forwardly from the top of the base wall. Asecond intermediate wall extends forwardly from the bottom of the basewall. A first front wall extends upwardly from the front of the firstintermediate wall. A second front wall extends downwardly from the frontof the second intermediate wall. The base wall has a notch in its top.The notch extends upwardly through the first intermediate wall and thefirst front wall thus bifurcating the first intermediate wall and thefirst front wall. A brace is secured to the base wall beneath the notch.

[0011] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of thepresent invention will become readily apparent upon further review ofthe following detailed description of the preferred embodiments asillustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The present invention may be more readily described withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a joist reinforcing bracket inaccordance with the present invention positioned within a floor system.

[0014]FIG. 2 is a front view of the joist reinforcing bracket of FIG. 1.

[0015]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

[0016]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative joist reinforcingbracket in accordance with the present invention positioned within afloor system.

[0017]FIG. 5 is a front view of the joist reinforcing bracket of FIG. 4.

[0018]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

[0019]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another alternative joistreinforcing bracket in accordance with the present invention positionedwithin a floor system.

[0020]FIG. 8 is a front view of the joist reinforcing bracket of FIG. 7.

[0021]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8.

[0022] Similar reference characters denote corresponding featuresconsistently throughout the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 3, a joist reinforcing bracket10 is shown in use with a conventional floor system. Floor systemincludes a header 12 supported at a fixed height by a base wall 14. Acomposite joist 16 formed of wood extends laterally from header 12 to aremote support (not shown). Joist 16 comprises a top flange 18 and abottom flange 20 joined together by a web 22 in the manner of an I-beam.A notch 24 is cut through top flange 18 and into web 22 for the passageof one or more utility conduits (not shown). Atop header 12 and joist 16is secured a plywood subfloor 26 for carrying one or more wall frames28.

[0024] Although only one joist 16 is illustrated in FIG. 1, it should beunderstood that additional joists 16 would typically be used in theconstruction of a floor system. In such a system, a number of likejoists 16 would be positioned along header 12 about 16 to 24 inchesapart and a number of brackets 10 would be employed adjacent the notch24 provided in each of the joists 16 for the passage of a conduit.Obviously, any number of brackets 10 may be secured to a single joist 16for the passage of conduits at different locations.

[0025] Bracket 10 includes a body 30, formed of 18-gage, galvanizedsteel sheeting, having a central portion 32 joining an upper portion 34and a lower portion 36 together. Central portion 32 is defined by aplanar, base wall 38. Upper portion 34, however, has an intermediatewall 40 extending forwardly from the top of base wall 38 and a frontwall 44 extending upwardly from the front of intermediate wall 40. Lowerportion 36 has an intermediate wall 42 extending forwardly from thebottom of base wall 38, a front wall 46 extending downwardly from thefront of intermediate wall 42, and also has a rearwardly-extending,bottom wall 48 being secured to the bottom of front wall 46. The rightangle connections between adjacent walls 38-48 provide bracket 10 withgreat rigidity.

[0026] Body 30 has a notch 50 sized like notch 24 in joist 16 toaccommodate the passage of mechanical and electrical conduits. Notch 50extends downwardly from the top of front wall 44 through intermediatewall 40 and into the top of base wall 38. Notch 50 has a rectangularoutline for ease of construction but may be provided with any desiredoutline.

[0027] Positioned beneath notch 50 is a brace 52 formed of 18-gagegalvanized steel sheeting. Brace 52 includes a pair offorwardly-extending, interior walls 54 and 56 joined by a back wall 58into a C-shape. Back wall 58 is welded to base wall 38 with interiorwalls 54 and 56 being oriented parallel to intermediate walls 40 and 42.Interior and back walls 54-58 being coextensive, brace 52 extendssubstantially the entire length of bracket 10.

[0028] A plurality of small holes 60, 62 and 64 are provided in body 30that permit the passage of penetrating-type fasteners like screws ornails 66 to fasten bracket 10 to joist 16. Adjacent notch 50 and brace52, a number of holes 60 are provided in base wall 38. Similarly, holes62 are provided in front wall 44 on opposite sides of notch 50. Holes 64are likewise provided along the length of front wall 46.

[0029] Should it be desired that bracket 10 be permanently affixed tojoist 16, a layer of adhesive cement (not shown) may be applied to therear surfaces of base and front walls 38, 44 and 46, the top surfaces ofintermediate and bottom walls 40 and 48, and the bottom surface ofintermediate wall 42 prior to their positioning adjacent joist 16. Ifadhesive cement of sufficient strength is used, it may be possible toinstall bracket 10 without any screws or nails 66. Thus, holes 60-64 maybe omitted from body 30.

[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, an alternative embodiment of thejoist reinforcing bracket is illustrated generally at 210. Bracket 210includes elements that correspond generally with those of bracket 10described above. Bracket 210 has, however, been modified so as to bestiffer than bracket 10 and to be attached with greater strength to afloor system including a header 212 supported by a base wall 214. Thefloor system also has a composite joist 216, having a top flange 218 anda bottom flange 220 joined by a web 222, extending from header 212. Anotch 224 passes through top flange 218 and into web 222 for the passageof utility conduits (not shown). Atop header 212 and joist 216 is asubfloor 226 carrying at least one wall frame 228.

[0031] Bracket 210 includes a body 230 having a central portion 232joining an upper portion 234 and a lower portion 236. Central portion232 has a planar, base wall 238. Upper portion 234, however, has anintermediate wall 240 extending forwardly from the top of base wall 238,a front wall 244 extending upwardly from the front of intermediate wall240, and a top wall 245 extending forwardly from the top of front wall244. Lower portion 236 has an intermediate wall 242 extending forwardlyfrom the bottom of base wall 238, a front wall 246 extending downwardlyfrom the front of intermediate wall 242, and also has arearwardly-extending, bottom wall 248 being secured to the bottom offront wall 246. The right angle connections between adjacent walls238-248 provide bracket 210 with great rigidity.

[0032] Body 230 has a notch 250 sized to outline notch 224 in joist 216to accommodate the passage of mechanical and electrical conduits throughnotch 224. Notch 250 extends downwardly from the top of top wall 245,through front wall 244 and intermediate wall 240, and into the top ofbase wall 238. Notch 250 has a rectangular outline.

[0033] Positioned beneath notch 250 is a brace 252 formed of 18-gagegalvanized steel sheeting. Brace 252 includes a pair of forwardlyextending, interior walls 254 and 256 joined by a back wall 258 into aC-shape. Back wall 258 is welded to base wall 238 with interior walls254 and 256 being oriented parallel to walls 240, 242, 245 and 248.Interior and back walls 254, 256 and 258 are coextensive, and brace 252extends the entire length of base wall 238.

[0034] A plurality of small holes 260, 262, 264 and 265 are provided inbody 230 that permit the passage of penetrating-type fasteners likescrews or nails 266 to fasten bracket 210 to joist 216. Adjacent notch250 and brace 252, a number of holes 260 are provided in base wall 238.Similarly, holes 262 are provided in front wall 244 on opposite sides ofnotch 250. Holes 264 are likewise provided along the length of frontwall 246. Holes 265 are provided along the length of top wall 245. Holes260-265 can be omitted if bracket 210 is to be attached to joist 216 bymeans of adhesive cement.

[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, another alternative embodiment of thejoist reinforcing bracket is illustrated generally at 110. Bracket 110includes elements that correspond generally to those of bracket 10described above. Here, however, bracket 110 has been modified so as tobe stiffer and so as to closely engage a joist 116 that is rectangularin cross section rather than I-shaped in cross section.

[0036] Bracket 116 includes a body 130 being formed of steel sheetingand having an S-shaped cross section. Body 130 has a central portion 132joining an upper portion 134 and a lower portion 136. Central portion132 has a planar, base wall 138 to which is welded a brace 152 ofC-shaped cross section. Extending forwardly at right angles from the topof base wall 138 is a top wall 155 being one part of upper portion 134.Upper portion 134 also includes a forward wall 144 extending downwardlyat right angles from the front of top wall 155. Lower portion 136 has abottom wall 148 extending rearwardly at right angles from the bottom ofbase wall 138 and a rearward wall 146 extending upwardly at right anglesfrom the rear of bottom wall 148. Thus, body 130 omits the intermediateand front walls 40-46 of body 30.

[0037] Body 130 has a notch 150 of rectangular outline for the passageof one or more conduits. Notch 150 extends downwardly through top wall155 and forward wall 144 and into the top of base wall 138. As shown,top and forward walls 155 and 144 are fully bifurcated by notch 150.

[0038] Brace 152, formed of steel sheeting, is positioned beneath notch150. Brace 152 has a pair of forwardly-extending, interior walls 154 and156 joined by a back wall 158 into a C-shape. Back wall 158 is welded tobase wall 138 with interior walls 154 and 156 being oriented parallel totop wall 155 and bottom wall 148. Preferably, brace 152 extendssubstantially the length of bracket 110.

[0039] A number of small holes as at 160 are provided in body 130 topermit the passage of screws or nails 166 to fasten bracket 110 to joist116. The holes 160 are positioned in base wall 138 around notch 150 andbrace 152 so that a strong bond between joist 116 and bracket 110 can beobtained. Adhesives can also be used to increase the strength of saidbond.

[0040] Use of the invention will be described in relation to bracket 110and joist 116 with the use of brackets 10 and 210 being substantiallyidentical. First, a notch 124 is cut in joist 116 of sufficient size toaccommodate a conduit (not shown). Next, bracket 110 is positioned sothat: 1) lower portion 136 wraps around the bottom of joist 116, 2)center portion 132 is flush against the front of joist 116 with notch124 being centered in the middle of notch 150, and 3) upper portion 134extends away from joist 116 and is positioned to abut the bottom ofplywood subfloor 126. Then, nails 166 are driven through holes 160 intojoist 116 to secure bracket 110 thereto. The bracket attachment processrequires just a few minutes to complete and can be accomplished byunskilled laborers using conventional tools.

[0041] When any of brackets 10, 110 or 210 is properly installed on ajoist having a notch as described above, the joist will be reinforced tobe at least equal in load-bearing capacity to that of a similarlydimensioned joist that lacks a notch. Since a reinforced joist obtainsits principal strength from the inventive bracket, a notch may beprovided virtually anywhere in the joist without a reduction of itsload-bearing capacity.

[0042] From the foregoing, it should be apparent that brackets 10, 110and 210 provide builders with great flexibility in positioning conduitswithin floor systems assembled with wooden joists. It should be notedalso that by using brackets 10, 110 and 210 in situations where notchesare present, wooden joists with somewhat smaller dimensions than wouldotherwise be permitted by local building codes might be employed. Thus,inventive brackets 10, 110 and 210 contribute to the conservation ofwood while simultaneously reducing building costs.

[0043] While the invention has been described with a high degree ofparticularity, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatmodifications may be made thereto. For example, bracket 110 could beprovided with holes in top wall 155 in the manner shown in bracket 210for a more secure fastening to subfloor 126. Therefore, it is to beunderstood that the present invention is not limited to the variousembodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodimentswithin the scope of the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A bracket for reinforcing a wooden joist, comprising: abody including: a central portion having a base wall for positioningagainst one side of a wooden joist, said base wall having a notch in thetop thereof; an upper portion being integrally formed with said centralportion, said upper portion having a first wall being secured to andextending forwardly from the top of said base wall and a second wallbeing secured to and extending at right angles from the front of saidfirst wall, said notch extending upwardly through said first wall andsaid second wall so as to bifurcate said first wall and said secondwall; and, a lower portion being integrally formed with said centralportion, said lower portion having a third wall being secured to andextending at right angles from the bottom of said base wall and a fourthwall being secured to and extending at right angles from said thirdwall; and, a brace being rigidly affixed to said base wall beneath saidnotch.
 2. The bracket according to claim 1 wherein said body furtherincludes a plurality of holes positioned about said notch and said bracefor the snug passage of penetrating fasteners.
 3. The bracket accordingto claim 1 wherein said second wall extends upwardly from said firstwall, said third wall extends forwardly from said base wall, and saidfourth wall extends downwardly from the front of said third wall.
 4. Thebracket according to claim 3 further comprising a fifth wall secured toand extending rearwardly at right angles from the bottom of said fourthwall.
 5. The bracket according to claim 3 further comprising a sixthwall secured to and extending forwardly at right angles from the top ofsaid second wall.
 6. The bracket according to claim 1 wherein saidsecond wall extends downwardly from said first wall, said third wallextends rearwardly from said base wall, and said fourth wall extendsupwardly from the rear of said third wall.
 7. The bracket according toclaim 1 wherein said brace includes a pair of forwardly-extending,interior walls joined together by a back wall into a C-shape, said backwall being rigidly affixed to said base wall.
 8. A bracket, comprising:a body including: a base wall; a first intermediate wall extendingforwardly from the top of said base wall; a second intermediate wallextending forwardly from the bottom of said base wall; a first frontwall extending upwardly from the front of said first intermediate wall;a second front wall extending downwardly from the front of said secondintermediate wall; said base wall having a notch in the top thereof,said notch extending upwardly through said first intermediate wall andsaid first front wall bifurcating said first intermediate wall and saidfirst front wall; and, a brace being rigidly affixed to said base wallbeneath said notch.
 9. The bracket according to claim 8 furthercomprising a bottom wall extending rearwardly from the bottom of saidsecond front wall.
 10. The bracket according to claim 8 furthercomprising a top wall extending forwardly from the top of said firstfront wall.
 11. The bracket according to claim 8 wherein at least one ofsaid base wall, said first front wall, and said second front wall has aplurality of holes for the snug passage of penetrating-type fasteners.12. The bracket according to claim 8 wherein said brace includes a pairof forwardly-extending, interior walls joined together by a back wall,said back wall being rigidly affixed to said base wall.
 13. A bracket,comprising: a body including: a base wall; a top wall extendingforwardly from the top of said base wall; a forward wall extendingdownwardly from the front of said top wall; a bottom wall extendingrearwardly from the bottom of said base wall; a rearward wall extendingupwardly from the rear of said bottom wall; said base wall having anotch in the top thereof, said notch extending upwardly through said topwall and said forward wall bifurcating said top wall and said forwardwall; and, a brace being rigidly affixed to said base wall beneath saidnotch.
 14. The bracket according to claim 13 wherein said base wall hasa plurality of holes for the snug passage of penetrating-type fasteners.15. The bracket according to claim 13 wherein said brace includes a pairof forwardly-extending, interior walls joined together by a back wall,said back wall being secured to said base wall.